Bhubaneswar Puri Kolkata Gangasagar 7 Days 6 Nights

Day 1: Arrival Bhubaneswar

Upon arrival at Bhubaneswar Airoprt/ Rly. Stn. Transfer to hotel. Bhubaneswar Known as the “Temple City”,founded during the Kalinga empire over 3,000 years ago, Bhubaneswar today boasts of a cluster of magnificent temples, which once boasted of more than 2000 temples. still preserves over 500 of India's finest temples.
If time permits visit Lingaraj Temple Constructed in 650 A.D. this temple is a unique specimen of Oriyan style of architecture. The most special feature of this temple is the presence of one thousand lingas in the north-west corner of the complex.. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as the name suggests, the temple was built sometime in the 7th century by the King Jajati Keshari. The Lingraj Temple houses a Shivalingam that rises to a massive height of 8 inches above the floor level and is about 8 feet in diameter as well. Lingaraj Temple is a spectacular specimen of Orissa style of temples with a hint of Kalinga style of architecture, covering a vast area of 2,50,000 sq ft., stand tall 180 ft.As many as 150 smaller shrines dot the temple complex. Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.
Then visit Rajarani temple
A popular 11th-century Raja Rani Temple is locally known as the 'love temple' because it contains some sensuous carvings of women and couples. No images can be found inside the sanctum, and hence the temple is not associated with any particular sect of Hinduism. This is perhaps exactly where the charm of the temple comes from: the temple belongs to no specific sect and is open to all people irrespective of the deity that they worship and admire. However, the figures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati carved on the walls strongly indicate that the temple has certain associations with Shaivism.
Brahmeshwar Temple was built during the 11th century A.D in honor of the presiding deity Brahmeshwar, who is a form of Lord Shiva. The 60-feet tall temple was the first to exhibit iron beams in construction and splendid iconography of dancers and musicians on the walls. The porch features a carved ceiling with lotus, while the walls have motifs of lion head in abundance.
Mukteshwar Temple is one of the most compact and smallest temples in Bhubaneswar but is renowned for its imposing ceiling that is adorned with eight-petal lotus in the porch, and astounding stone archway. It was for the first time that carved images appeared in temple architecture, exhibiting beautiful lion-head motifs. “Mukteshwar” means “Lord who gives freedom through Yoga.”
Parshurameswar temple The small but luxuriantly designed temple was built during the 7th century and is one of the oldest in Bhubaneswar. The temple exhibits marvelous architectural artwork.
After lunch visit khandagiri and Udaygiri caves and explore the age-old caves of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, carved by Jain Monks in the 1st century BC, and were used as dwellings and meditation quarters, were built under King Khaarvela of the Mahameghavahan dynasty. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Bhubaneswar – Puri

After breakfast drive to Puri enroute Dhauli, where a modern peace pagoda and ancient rock edictsmark the emperor Asshoka;s conversion to Buddhism. Dhauli , a sacred Buddhist ssite on the banks of then river Daya, where the greatKalingan war was taken place. Revered by Buddhists as the place where ancient Indian emperor Ashoka renounced violence and embraced Budddddhism, the site pagoda , and see two of the rock-carved edicts declaring Ashoka’s new religious principles that date from 260 BC. Then view some rock-cut caves, medieval Hindu temples, and the renovated Shiva temple near Pagoda.

Continue to Visit Pipli the artist village where locals produce appliqué art- a process of cutting coloured cloth into shapes of animals, birds, flowers, leaves , gods, goddesses and other decorative motifs and stiching them over a piece of cloth. These creations are fabricated into lampshades, handbags, cushion covers, or even garden umbrellas.

Later visit Konark the Chariot of the Sun God temple, built by Laqngula Narasingh Deva in 13 th century A.D.. The Sun temple is known for its exquisite and intricate architecture and sculptures. A UNSECO World Heritge List of the monument. The word 'Konark' is a combination of two words 'Kona' and 'Arka'. 'Kona' means 'Corner' and 'Arka' means 'Sun', so when combines it becomes 'Sun of the Corner', dedicated to Sun God. Konark is also known as Arka khetra. There are three different sides of the temple, positioned in the proper direction to catch the rays of the sun in the morning, noon, and evening. King Narasimhadeva the great ruler of the Ganga dynasty had built this temple, with the help of 1200 artisans within a period of 12 years (1243-1255 A.D.). Since the ruler used to worship the Sun, the temple was considered as a chariot for the Sun God. Konark Temple was designed in the form of a gorgeously decorated chariot mounted on 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, and drawn by 7 mighty horses. It is really difficult to understand, how this huge temple, every inch-space of which was so wonderfully carved, could have been completed within such a short time. Whatever that might be, the Konark temple even in its present ruined state, still a wonder to the whole world.
Drive through the marine drive to Puri, on the way visit Chandrabhaga beach, Ramachandi temple. After freshen up in the hotel visit the world-famous Lord Jagannath temple
The majestic Jagannath Temple in Puri is a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus and is a part of the “Char Dham” pilgrimages. Jagannatha is not the only deity worshipped in the temple, though it is known as the 'Jagannatha Temple'. The deities of the Puri temple are generally known as the Trimurti (trinity) and also as Chaturdhamurti. The temple was originally built by the Kalinga ruler Anantavarman Chodaganga(1078 - 1148 CE). Much of the present structure was built by King Ananga Bhima Deva in the year 1174 CE. It took 14 years to complete and was consecrated in 1198 CE. Back to Hotel overnight at Hotel.

Day 3: Puri – Satpada and departure to Kolkata

Morning Check out from the hotel, keep your luggage in hotel Cloak room drive to then Drive to Satpada ( Chilka lake). Arrival Satapara. Book a motor boat ride in Chilka lake. ( booking will be on a direct payment basis) Enjoy the day at Chilka lake (India's biggest inland lake spread over 1,100 square kilometers) Boating at the lake to spot the wild Asiatic Irrawaddy Dolphins at the mouth of the Bay of Bengal, also watch the migratory birds of Siberia.
Back to hotel and provide departure transfer to Bhubaneswar Rly. Stn. Or Puri Rly. Stn. for onward Journey to Kolkata. (It Is preferred to take the late evening train). Overnight train journey to Kolkata.

Day 4: Arrival Kolkata

Meet on arrival at Rly. Stn. and transfer to hotel. After freshen up and proceed for half-day city sightseeing. Visit Agri-Horticultural Gardens- A serene botanical garden built by Sir William Carrey in 1920. Zoological Gardens- Kolkata`s interesting zoo-the oldest in Indiawas the creation of Sir Richard Carnac Temple who was Governor of Bengal from 1874 to 1877.The 16 hectare grounds house a wide species of animals & birds including the rare white Bengal Tiger. Armenian Church- A church which portrays Armenian architecture, built by Aga Nazara and Arfiel Katchik, Asutosh Museum of modern Art- A hub for art enthusiasts.

Day 5: Kolkata

Morning breakfast and proceed to full day sightseeing. Belur Math- Situated on the banks of The Ganges is the headquarters of The Ramakrishna Mission. Indian Museum - One of the largest museum in India which houses rare artifacts and exhibits of historical importance. Marble palace - Built by Landlord Rajendra Mullick, it is a white Italian marble splendor and a major visiting place. Victoria Memorial - A white marble beauty built-in 1921 in memory of Queen Victoria, Academy of Fine Arts - Contains an impressive collection of fine arts.

Day 6: Kolkata –Gangasagar

Early morning proceed to Gangasagar, (with packed breakfast)Sagar Island is an island in the Ganges delta, lying on the continental shelf of Bay of Bengal about 100 km south of Kolkata. "Gangasagar" is a place of Hindu pilgrimage. Every year on the day of Makar Sankranti(14 January), hundreds of thousands of Hindus gather to take a holy dip at the confluence of river Ganges and Bay of Bengal and offer prayers (puja) in the Kapil Muni Temple. Back to hotel & overnight stay at hotel.

Day 7: Kolkata – Departure

After breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to Airport / Railway station